Celebrating Contemporary Still Life Excellence

Yarrila Arts and Museum's prestigious STILL: National Still Life Award returns for 2025, offering artists across Australia the opportunity to redefine and celebrate the enduring genre of still life. This biennial acquisitive competition has been recognising excellence, diversity and innovation in contemporary still life practice since 2017.

Prize Pool

STILL: National Still Life Award 2025 offers substantial financial recognition:

• Total prize pool: $36,000
• Acquisitive award (winning artwork acquired for permanent collection)

Exhibition Dates

The finalist exhibition runs from 6 September to 9 November 2025 at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Entries Close

Online submissions must be completed by 6 July 2025.

Broadening Still Life Interpretation

STILL challenges traditional perceptions of still life art, encouraging artists to explore contemporary interpretations of this classic genre. The award recognises that modern still life extends far beyond traditional arrangements of objects, embracing conceptual approaches, digital media, and innovative artistic practices.

Open to All Mediums and Career Stages

This national competition welcomes artists at every stage of their practice, from emerging talents to established professionals. The award accepts submissions across diverse mediums including:

• Painting and drawing
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture and installation
• Video and film
• New media and digital art
• Mixed-media and multi-disciplinary works
• Craft and traditional arts

About the Award

Established in 2017, STILL has quickly become a significant fixture in Australia's contemporary art calendar. As an acquisitive award, winning works become part of Yarrila Arts and Museum's permanent collection, ensuring the artist's interpretation of still life will be preserved and exhibited for future generations.

Why Enter STILL

Beyond the substantial financial rewards, STILL offers national exposure and professional recognition within Australia's contemporary art scene. The competition provides a platform for artists to showcase innovative approaches to still life, whether through traditional techniques or cutting-edge digital practices.

The online submission process makes entry accessible to artists nationwide, removing geographical barriers and ensuring diverse participation from across Australia.

Contemporary Still Life Today

STILL recognises that contemporary still life encompasses much more than traditional fruit bowls and flower arrangements. Today's artists use still life as a vehicle for exploring themes of consumption, identity, memory, and cultural commentary. The award celebrates this evolution while honouring the genre's rich historical foundations.

Ready to share your interpretation of contemporary still life? Visit the official competition website to review entry guidelines and submit your work online before the 6 July deadline. This is your opportunity to contribute to Australia's most important still life art conversation and potentially see your work acquired by a major cultural institution.

To learn more, click here.